Kia has whipped up a small batch of changes for its mid-size Optima hybrid for 2013, which improve the car’s fuel efficiency and broaden its price appeal. First introduced for 2011, the Optima hybrid was offered in just a single trim level, and we found it to be handsome, if a bit rough around the edges. Now, Kia is offering buyers two trim levels—LX and EX—both of which see a host of underhood upgrades intended to improve fuel economy and drivability.

The 2013 Optima hybrid’s engine compartment plays host to a new electric motor that packs seven more horsepower than last year’s unit; the four-cylinder engine actually loses some output, dropping from 166 horsepower to 159. The gas engine’s peak torque is unchanged at 154 lb-ft, and the new electric motor makes the same 151 lb-ft of twist as last year’s. The lithium-polymer battery pack has more capacity than before while taking up less trunk space, and contributes to a boost in overall torque—235 lb-ft from 195; combined horsepower drops by 7 to 199. The net result is an improvement from 34 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway to 36/40 for the Optima hybrid LX, a 1-mpg increase in city mileage for the Optima hybrid EX model, and a claimed increase in responsiveness and performance. Regardless, the Optima’s efficiency, at least as rated by the EPA, is significantly off of the segment-leading Ford Fusion hybrid, although the LX beats the Toyota Camry hybrid on the highway. Kia says that the increase in mileage and output come via improved battery cooling and an updated software-management system.

As for pricing, the 2013 Optima hybrid LX starts at $26,675, just $125 more than last year’s single EX model, while the up-level 2013 EX starts at $32,725 and basically comes one way: loaded. Standard equipment is essentially unchanged for the base model, and all of the goodies from the 2012 model’s $5350 Premium Tech package—HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, an Infinity audio system, navigation, heated front and rear seats, and a cooled driver’s seat—are standard on the reloaded EX model. LX buyers can spec a Convenience package, which adds an eight-way power driver’s seat and Kia’s UVO infotainment system, for an additional $700; both items are standard on the EX, which sees an identical $125 price increase over last year’s model equipped with the Premium Tech and Convenience packages.

It’s hard to argue with more choices, more torque, and better mileage for an almost indiscernible increase in price. We look forward to trying out the updated Optima hybrid and seeing whether it drives better, and it’ll be interesting to find out if the mechanically identical Hyundai Sonata hybrid will receive the Optima’s improvements anytime soon.